From Simpson & Vail

Japan, with its warm climate and ample rain, is a perfect environment for tea growing. Tea growing is thought to have begun here in the 8th century. While other countries grow their tea bushes on hillsides and pick teas by hand, Japanese gardens are meticulously planted in rows along hills close to natural water sources. Although some teas are hand-picked in Japan, most of the tea grown here is mechanically picked and processed using high tech machinery. Also, unlike other countries that designate their teas by regions or estates, Japanese teas are generally sold by styles.

Genmaicha Green tea is a mixture of a Sencha and popped Genmai (hulled rice kernels), yielding a light brown tea with very unique taste!

Preparation

Because it tastes like rice cakes lol! I barely even taste the sencha, which is why it’s not the best, but it does have a good toasted rice flavor, even if it is all I taste. One I’ve had tasted like dirt…that would be the worst I’ve ever had.